Photo Credit: CNC
Education

High school students can apply to new dual credit technology program at CNC and UNBC

Feb 6, 2024 | 1:11 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—UNBC, CNC and SD57 are collaborating to offer a new experiential Technology Exploration Dual Credit (TekX) program for High school students interested in pursuing a career in technology. The new program will give Grade 11 student a hands on introduction to the expanding tech sector.

“TekX’s expansion across the province will allow more young people to access training that will help them find rewarding careers in the technology sector,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “This is another way B.C. is making sure we have the skilled people we need to help businesses fill job openings and to keep our economy strong and growing.”

The 300 hour hands-on course will give students a chance to earn post-secondary credits while still in high school. Areas of study include computer hardware, cybersecurity, 3D printing, and drones.

“When it comes to ensuring graduates are job-ready, hands-on learning can translate into lasting success,” said Cindy Heitman, president of CNC. “TekX will help students decide which path they want to pursue at a pivotal point in their education journey. They will be introduced to a variety of disciplines and opportunities to use equipment they may not otherwise have access to.”

According to the 2023 B.C. Labour Market Outlook, the tech industry is the second largest industry in growth with over 140,000 job openings over the next 10 years. Almost 80,000 of those openings are expected to be new positions. 20 spaces will be available for students at each intake.

“Through TekX’s unique experiential learning opportunities, we are taking steps to reimagine how we educate to meet the accelerating demand for highly skilled workers in technology industries,” says Dr. Geoff Payne, president of UNBC. “By cultivating curiosity in high school students, UNBC, CNC and SD57 are opening career pathways for learners and helping meet the need for a sustainable workforce in the North and beyond.”

TekX will be delivered in a cohort model with two offerings each year. Applications for the first cohort of TekX are now open and interested applicants can apply in their Grade 10 year.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to get a taste of what post-secondary education is all about without having to commit to a specific school or program of study,” said SD57 assistant superintendent Lee Karpenko. “Successful participants will be able to continue their studies locally or transfer their credits to other post-secondary institutions once they graduate.”

Students and parents can learn more by visiting CNC’s and UNBC’s TekX information pages or by speaking with a SD57 secondary school guidance counsellor.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com